The case of the removal of two trees on Meadowlark Lane in Sag Harbor Village was back in Justice Court Tuesday morning. Alex Kriegsman, an attorney appearing virtually in representing the defendant, Augusta Ramsay Folks, made a motion for dismissal based on comments made by Bob Plumb of the village board at a meeting in August.
Brian Lester, of the firm Talbot & Lester, representing the village, had been prepared to discuss a fine and settlement terms before Mr. Kriegsman made his motion. Mr. Kriegsman quoted Mr. Plumb as saying, “I hope we can make an example of this person,” referring to Ms. Folks.
On June 4, Ms. Folks removed two trees. She is facing a charge of removing a tree with a diameter at chest height of over 12 inches without a permit, and another charge of removing a tree that was on village property. The first tree had a diameter of 36 inches, the second one 48 inches.
Ms. Folks claims that the trees were removed in deference to the Suffolk County Health Department, as she is putting in a new innovative-alternative septic system during the property’s redevelopment, and the roots would have interfered with the system as the ground is shallow.
Mr. Kriegsman believes that Mr. Plumb’s comment was “not appropriate for an official to make” and indicates prejudice against Ms. Folks. Mr. Lester and Justice Carl Irace said they had not heard Mr. Plumb’s quote previously. Mr. Irace adjourned the case until mid-November so that Mr. Kriegsman can confer with village officials.